The UK and the US are maneuvering around the status of the critical military base

2026-02-13 13:05:53

Abstract generation in progress

The political confrontation between London and Washington over control of the Chagos Archipelago is intensifying. This week, Prime Minister Kiar Starmer and President Donald Trump held an urgent discussion focused on the future of the Diego Garcia military base. According to Jin10, the conversation reflects deep disagreements between the two countries regarding the principles of managing this strategically important archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

Why the Chagos Archipelago is of military-strategic interest

Located approximately 2,000 miles off the east African coast, the Chagos Archipelago occupies a critical position in the global security system. The Diego Garcia military base serves as a strategic point for operations in the Indian Ocean and provides control over key maritime corridors. Both nations recognize the strategic value of the site and agree on the necessity of its continuous operation.

A sharp shift in Washington’s position

Shortly after beginning his second term, Trump revisited a previously supported stance, opposing the plan to transfer the archipelago to Mauritius. The president described this scenario as a sign of “weakness” and a “strategic mistake.” The initial agreement stipulated that the UK would transfer administrative control of Chagos to the African state, while maintaining military operations at the base through annual financial payments. However, conflicting positions between the alliances have put this arrangement into question.

New negotiations and prospects for cooperation

According to a summary of the phone conversation, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership on regional security issues. Britain and the US agreed on the need for close contacts to coordinate the details of the long-term operation of the base. This agreement demonstrates Washington and London’s desire to find a balance between geopolitical interests and Mauritius’s claims of sovereignty over the archipelago.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.